Posted by johnj on August 4, 2008, at 9:27:25
In reply to Some people don't want to believe., posted by SLS on August 4, 2008, at 5:24:19
Scott:
I tend to be in both camps. I don't believe all on meds probably need them but you can't discount people that have been helped by them. Some docs prescribe them like candy.
Take my ex-boss. He was paranoid and just always unreasonable for years. I could never figure him out and nobody could understand his methods. Well, he quits, he gets much worse and he cannot hinde the pyschosis anymore. typical schizo symptoms. Fast forward a year and a half later. I saw him last night and it was the first time he talked "normal" in years. Meds worked for him even though he will never work again. I am ok that he is on disability, he deserves it for the suffering he endured. I should also say he never treated me with any respect and I disliked him at the time. Now, I feel sorry for his suffering as he should have had help years earlier.
Another friend with a sick wife heading into surgery can't sleep well about a 8 weeks prior to surgery so the doc prescribes an ssri. It makes him worse, angry, jittery, and spaced out. We talk, heart to heart, I tell him my experiences. He quits the ssri and tells me he finally feels better and talked to a counseler. It is situational and he should never have been prescribed drugs. Life is not easy and you can't numb out everything unless you just can't cope anymore. He is sleeping better now after successful surgery. Note, I didn't tell or ask him to quit the ssri. We just had a very good talk and I was supportive.
Me, on meds for 15 years after panic attack living abroad. I was convinced I needed meds. I recover for 10 years. I get pneumonia and in an accident and my meds no longer work. I start the med merry go round. From antipsychotics, new ad's, mood stabilizers and THEY all make me worse. I suffered on remeron for 3 years because it at least allowed me to sleep. I almost lost everything, my job, wife, and house. Why? because I thougtht I needed something. Finally, I give up, go off meds and last 6 months. I started again, and feel worse. Go off, and over the last year, yes, it has been one year pretty much med free. I get better slowly, very slowly. Ups and downs, but isn't that life? Well, last night I slept 9 hours and Sunday nights are usually the worse for me thinking of work, etc. I have weaned off benzos a few years back. It was hell and yes I was addicted.
My point is one size doesn't fit all. Some need meds but I am not sure about me. I definately needed help when I had the panic attack but did I need to stay on for 10 years plus? I don't know. Things are never black and white. If I get bad again, I would try meds again but right now I probably don't need them. I can't believe I survived the last year and yes I had to recover from the meds. Yes, I had to recover as I feel my brain just was not right. I can't explain it but the brain is incredible. You can get better. For some it is meds, for some it is not.
Regards
johnj
poster:johnj
thread:844053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080727/msgs/844081.html